Six short emails. One global event. We’re covering the 2026 Winter Olympics with the biggest stories, travel insight, and insider context.

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The Winter Olympics were always an event to watch (the infamous Tanya Harding incident still comes up in conversation) and my memories of the Games largely consist of watching perfectly groomed skaters under the lights in enclosed rinks and skiers in skin-tight uniforms flying down tightly manicured race courses. As popular as the Olympics were, it all seemed rather stodgy and unapproachable to me.

The 2026 Winter Olympics aims to be anything but. One new addition is a perfect example of how: ski mountaineering, or “SkiMo.”

Ski mountaineering (or “SkiMo”) combines uphill climbing and downhill skiing across rugged, backcountry-style terrain. Athletes ascend using climbing skins attached to their skis, then remove them to descend steep alpine sections at speed. The sport demands not only aerobic power and technical skill but also mountain awareness and strategy.

The venue is the iconic Stelvio Ski Centre in Bormio, which rises 11,319 feet above sea level and is one of the most striking venues of the 2026 Winter Olympics. Known for its steep terrain and long, technical runs, Bormio has long been a mainstay on the Alpine Ski World Cup circuit.

Competition will feature individual and sprint events. In individual races, athletes navigate courses of varying elevation gain, often more than 3,000 feet, and are judged purely by time to finish. The sprint format compresses the same skills into a fast-paced, head-to-head race lasting only minutes. Judges ensure athletes follow designated ascent and descent routes, properly transition between climbing and skiing phases, and maintain safety standards throughout.

For spectators, the setting itself is an attraction. The Stelvio slopes have witnessed some of the most intense races (and crashes) in ski racing, and fans traveling to the Milan region for the games will be able to position themselves in the mountain terrain in “natural amphitheaters” to watch the action.

If you want to try it yourself, I rounded up everything you need to try it here.

-Tim Wenger, Transactional Content Editor and resident snowboard bum

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